Jamaica seeks independence from Queen

Jan. 7 - Jamaica's new prime minister, Portia Simpson Miller, says the time has come for her country to cut ties with the British monarchy. Sunita Rappai reports.

▲ Hide Transcript

▶ View Transcript

Jamaica's new prime minister Portia Simpson Miller, vows to cut ties with the British monarchy.
Speaking at her inaugural address, Miller, who won a landslide victory, said the time had come for her country to strike out on its own.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) PRIME MINISTER OF JAMAICA PORTIA SIMPSON SAYING:
"As we celebrate our achievements as an independent nation we need to complete the circle of independence. In this regard we will initiate the process of our detachment from the Monarchy, from the Monarchy, to become a republic with our own indigenous president as head of state."
This year Jamaica celebrates its 50th anniversary of independence from Britain.
But the Queen remains the head of state and is represented on the island by governor general, Sir Patrick Allen.
The announcement comes just weeks after Buckingham Palace announced that Prince Harry would make a Queen's Diamond Jubilee visit to Jamaica this year.
Jamaica is also seeking judicial independence from Britian, a move that the UK Supreme Court says is 'entirely a matter for the country concerned'.
Sunita Rappai, Reuters

Reuters is the news and media division of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Learn more about Thomson Reuters products: